Abstract
Objective
To determine the current landscape of international medical volunteerism (IMV) in
pediatric urology.
Methods
A questionnaire regarding IMV participation was distributed to Societies for Pediatric
Urology members (SPU), pediatric urology fellows (PUFs), and pediatric urology fellowship
program directors (PDs). Questions related to IMV interest, experience, and perceived
barriers, as well as the importance of trainee participation.
Results
98 of 733 SPU members queried responded; 62/98 (63%) having volunteered. There was
no difference in gender, age, or years in practice between volunteers and non-volunteers
(P >.05). Non-volunteers were generally interested in participating (26/36; 72%), with
lack of time and knowledge of opportunities cited as limitations. 27/46 PUFs and 16/27
PDs submitted responses. 10/27 (37%) of PUFs have participated in IMV. The main perceived
barrier to their participation was lack of protected time off. While 2 PUFs (7%) stated
IMV was a mandatory component of fellowship, 11/27 (41%) of PUFs vs 2/16 (13%) of
PDs believe IMV should be part of the curriculum (P = .11). PUFs and PDs similarly ranked importance of trainee IMV participation on
Likert scale (median 73 vs 70, P = 0.67). Volunteering SPU respondents ranked trainee participation higher than non-volunteers
(median 80 vs 50, P = 0.0004).
Conclusion
While pediatric urology IMV opportunities exist, disseminating this information to
interested parties and lack of time are barriers to participation. Amongst SPU members,
there is a divide in attitudes regarding the importance of trainee participation.
Trainees, however, strongly support IMV participation.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 22, 2021
Accepted:
February 1,
2021
Received:
December 7,
2020
Footnotes
Funding: None
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
